“We made one (driving under the influence) arrest,” Lutz said. “As well, we issued four misdemeanors including two for driving without a licence and two for driving with an open container (of alcohol).”

In a news released issued in advance of the checkpoint, motorists were advised that they if approached the checkpoint they could expect to see informational signs advising them of a sobriety checkpoint ahead. They were also told that once diverted into the lane, they would be detained only momentarily while an officer explains the purpose of the checkpoint.

Comparatively, CHP officers from the Newhall station arrested seven people with driving under the influence of alcohol between Friday and Sunday. Deputies, in the same period, arrested three people for impaired driving, according to the arrest log issued by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Station.

The goal of the DUI Checkpoint is to create awareness among the motoring public, to deter people from driving under the influence, and to keep the streets safe for all. Although checkpoints tend to reduce the number of drinking drivers on the road, the CHP will apprehend DUI drivers who fail to heed our warnings. Even though arrest totals do not rise dramatically, the psychological influence a checkpoint has on the motoring public is invaluable.

Sobriety checkpoints are conducted in accordance to the guidelines for checkpoint operations outlined in the Supreme Court decision, Ingersol vs. Palmer.